Introduction to Knife Making

This course introduces students to knife making through an immersive experience of making a custom knife. It is designed for beginners who want to get a hands-on introduction to metal working and knife making, and take home a beautiful product.

The course is divided into two sessions:

The first session focuses on knife design and initial steel forming and preparation, including creating the profile of their knife and the bevel that will become the sharpened edge of the knife. The knife you create will then be heat treated and tempered by one of our craftspeople in preparation for the second session.

The second session focuses on refining and finishing the knife. Students shape wood scales for the handle, mount the material to the knife, give the handle a waterproof seal, polish the blade, and complete the project by sharpening and honing the edge.

What You’ll Be Making

Guests can choose from 4 classic knife designs – a French Chef, a vegetable slicer, a cleaver, and a hunting knife. Guests will be able to scale the knife and handle so it fits perfectly in their hand. We’ll provide everything needed, including a couple options for handle materials and finish.

Course Notes

This course focuses on entry-level skills in knife making, some aspects of woodworking, and the basics of design with respect to functionality—how to make a product that works well for specific purposes.

No prior experience is necessary.

When and Where

When: This workshop is broken into two sessions, each approximately 4 hours long. This workshop happens most Sundays (1-5 pm), Wednesdays (6-10 pm) and Fridays (10 am – 2 pm). Workshops that start on Sunday will also meet the following Sunday. Workshops that start on a Wednesday will also meet the following Wednesday. Workshops that start on Friday will also meet the following Friday.